Human Development Report 2014

On 24th July the Human Development Report 2014 was released, ranking India at 135 and Bangladesh at 142 out of 187 countries in the Human Development Index.

The index is a measure of human development derived from factors including life expectancy, education levels and financial incomes.

Both India and Bangladesh have shuffled fractionally up the scale in comparison to last year’s report, but despite gradual improvement over the years, the rate of progress within these countries is unsteady. It is feared that failing more sustainable measures, millions of people will fall back into poverty.

India currently holds one third of the world’s extreme poor, and in Bangladesh, 31.5 percent of the population live on less than 78p a day!

As a consequence of this severe poverty and a lack of accessible, affordable and high-quality healthcare, millions of men, women and children are forced to deal with the devastating effects of diseases such as leprosy, tuberculosis and lymphatic filariasis.

Meanwhile the long-term social and economic consequences exacerbate this issue and create a life of isolation and exclusion.

The Human Development Report places an emphasis on ensuring ‘a life of dignity for all’. The world must pay particular attention to the needs and rights of the most vulnerable and excluded by reducing inequality, providing adequate resources and eradicating discriminatory social norms.

That’s why we work on the frontline in India and Bangladesh to not only treat diseases, but to alleviate the poverty and prejudice that occurs as a result of them.

The Report states that ‘eliminating extreme poverty is not just about getting to zero; it’s also about staying there.'

By educating the public about the myths of leprosy and working to ensure discriminatory laws are eradicated, we are providing a sustainable solution and giving a voice to vulnerable and marginalised people within these countries.

We would like to thank everyone who took part in our Life-Changing Tea. By hosting your very own Life-Changing Tea, you can help spread awareness that leprosy still exists and is curable. Your support allows those affected by leprosy to get the help they need.

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Leprosy is completely curable, if treated early. Yet, tragically many people diagnosed today will already have terrible disabilities due to late diagnosis. Over 3 million more people are living in the shadows, with undiagnosed leprosy, and every day the disease causes more damage to their bodies, lives and futures.
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